Final answer:
The energy budget on Earth is a balance between the incoming solar energy radiated from the Sun, the energy reflected by clouds and ice, and the energy absorbed and re-emitted by Earth's surface and atmosphere. Therefore, the correct option is c.
Step-by-step explanation:
The energy budget on Earth is defined by the balance between incoming solar energy and the energy that is reflected, absorbed, and eventually re-emitted by Earth. The Earth receives almost all its energy from the Sun's radiation, which includes a range of wavelengths from ultraviolet rays to visible light and infrared. Clouds and ice reflect approximately 30% of incoming sunlight; this reflection combined with other factors gives Earth an overall albedo of about 30%. Meanwhile, 70% of sunlight is absorbed by Earth's surface, causing it to warm.
The absorbed energy has different fates: about half of it is used in the evaporation of water, while smaller portions contribute to wind creation, photosynthesis, and ocean currents. Eventually, much of this energy is radiated back into space in the form of infrared radiation, maintaining a rough energy balance. Earth's surface absorbs and re-emits roughly an equal amount of energy, which contributes to a relatively stable climate system. This balance ensures that Earth does not continually heat up or cool down.